ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (EDC)

Our Economic Development Center is designed to strengthen an individual's ability to secure and keep employment or to start and maintain a small business. Participants with low-moderate income who lack workplace and business skills can access services that include a personal vocational assessment, basic economic literacy, budget planning, resume development, job placement and follow up, small business training and start-up.

With respect for Hawaii's multicultural population, the mission of the Economic Development Center is to assist low to moderate-income individuals and families to reach their economic goals. Our Economic Development Center provides employment preparation, job placement, microenterprise, savings, and consumer education programs throughout the various communities of Oahu.

VISION: Individuals and families have the skills to realize their economic dreams and full potential.

All services provided by PACT's Economic Development Center begin with individual intake and assessment to determine the goals and preferences of each person. Assessment and continuous casework help determine the type(s) of services needed. Referrals to other community agencies are provided as needed.

Economic ONE-ON-ONE Coaching
Economic one-on-one coaching is essential for the success of the client. The focus of one-on-one coaching is based on a comprehensive assessment and service plan.

Employment Development
Employment development focuses on pre and post-employment training and support services. These services are provided through employment preparation, workplace values, time and stress management, financial literacy, self-development, and other activities that focus on individual and family employment objectives and goals outlined in the service plan. The program also offers JOB CLUB, which affords clients access to the computer lab and to staff who assist with job search, online application and resume submittals and opportunity to practice interviewing skills.

Business Development
Business development focuses on entrepreneurial education and training, including business planning, product or service development, marketing, tax planning, record keeping, human resource management, and operations management, among others.

Job Placement
An innovative approach to job development that assists participants in finding rewarding, gainful employment. Public and private partnerships are developed to facilitate training and placement relevant to current labor market conditions.

Competency-Based Community School Diploma Program (CBCSDP)
PACT EDC’s CBCSDP is a six-month program consisting of five units. To receive the Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma (GED equivalent) clients must pass each unit and a mastery test with a 70% score or higher and complete a set number of volunteer and/or employment hours. EDC works one-on-one with each student to ensure they achieve their diploma.

Asset Development
At the core of asset development is the Individual Development Account (IDA) program. IDA’s provide matching funds to clients’ savings by contributing $1.00 for every dollar saved up to $500.00. Depending on the source of the IDA funding, the match can go as high as a contribution of $2.00 for every $1.00 saved. The additional funds are meant to enable clients to capitalize their small business. The IDA program promotes the value of savings for a future benefit.

Integral to the IDA is the comprehensive financial education provided to each participant. Topics include financial goal setting, establishing a family budget, understanding credit, asset protection, and savings and investment options.